Racial Literacy

Catalog description

This course will provide you with opportunities to explore the experiences, perspectives, and contributions of various cultures, groups, and individuals while exposing you to the knowledge, skills, and tools that are necessary to become a racially competent and highly effective educator. We will learn how racial literacy is defined, practiced, acquired, and used ensure that culturally responsive practices are a substantial piece of your pedagogical framework. This course will introduce a number of different racial perspectives about the same subject matter in an effort to demonstrate that understanding different viewpoints can improve ones ability to respond accordingly. Through storytelling, journaling, stress management practice, role-playing, and open exchange and dialogue you will see how racial literacy is established by reflecting on in-the-moment stress reactions. We will support you as you learn how to address diversity related topics in ways that create teaching and learning environments where mutual respect and trust form the basis of the relationships between you and the communities you serve. Prerequisite: Enrollment in Urban Teaching Residency Program.